ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Special Service and Features
Dak Adalat meeting on Dec.16th
A Dak Adalat meeting to redress the grievances relating to postal services in the Jurisdiction of Chennai General Post Office to be held at the Office of the Chief Postmaster, Chennai GPO, Chennai 600 001 on 16.12.2020 at 15.00 hours.
Public are requested to present their grievances, if any, pertaining to Chennai General Post Office only in person or by post so as to reach on or before 12.12.2020 to Sri.K.Venkatachalam, Chief Post Master, Chennai GPO Chennai 600 001.
This is stated in a press release issued by the Chief Post Master, Chennai GPO.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Shri Nitin Gadkari calls for creation of Ratings system for MSMEs and Dashboard for effective monitoring of schemes
Minister for MSME and Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari has called for creation of ratings system for MSMEs and Dashboard for effective monitoring of MSME schemes. Addressing a webinar by Chamber of Indian MSME, CIMSME, he said simple and transparent methodology should be evolved to give ratings to MSMEs having good turnover, GST records to enable them to get finances from the banks and institutions. The Minister said the whole world now wants to invest in Indian industry and with effective rating system MSMEs can get good investment from abroad.
Shri Gadkari proposed setting up of dashboard for monitoring schemes to prevent delays in decision making. He asked SIDBI to take decisions within three months and provide support. The Minister said MSMEs have an important role to play in achieving Prime Minister’s vision of Atamanirbhar Bharat. Shri Gadkari said it is time to make our system transparent, time bound, result oriented and performance oriented and help appropriate entrepreneurs with good track record. He emphasized on working together in an integrated manner and not in silos. Shri Gadkari said new thinking, out of box ideas ,new technology and research in agricultural, rural and tribal areas is very important for employment generation.
The Minister said MSMEs contribute nearly 30 percent to country’s GDP and provide employment to more than 11 crore people which in terms of volume is second after the agricultural sector.
Full event link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a47SSWjQVCI
Ministry of Communications
India Post Transformed in Last 8 years to deliver Government services to Aam Aadmi: Shri Anurag Jain
India Post begins to deliver Aadhar, Passport, Pension, Insurance, Jan-Dhan at the doorsteps with technologies at its command
On Day 3 of AMRITPEX 2023 - National Philatelic Exhibition at Pragati Maidan, the Secretary Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade , Shri Anurag Jain today praised the Department of Posts for tremendous enthusiasm in the adoption of technology and linking it for the transformation of the department in the last 8 years that has made it a key driver to deliver the government services at the doorstep of rural masses.
Release of a souvenir on Geographical Indication
Speaking on the occasion of releasing a souvenir sheet of 12 stamps on Geographical Indication: Agricultural Goods at the 3rd day function of AMRITPEX-2023, Shri Anurag Jain said that GI Indications are a great tool to increase the income of farmers, weavers and artisans.
Shri Anurag Jain addressing at AMRITPEX 2023
He appreciated that the Department of Posts took up the challenge of email and technology-based communication with great agility and competence and improved upon its delivery mechanism so much that today India Post has become a key driver of delivering government services like DBT, Aadhar etc. at the doorsteps in rural India. Mr. Jain also pointed out that Modern Day Dakiya has played an important role in the implementation of Jan Dhan Yojna.
Shri Vineet Pandey, Secretary Department of Posts said that Naye Bharat Ka India Post is ready with a huge workforce of Karmayogis with digital infrastructure to serve the nation. He also said that India Post is partnering with different ministries of Government of India in better implementation of various schemes and programs especially in far flung areas of the country.
Day 3 of AMRITPEX 2023, has seen participation of more than 2000 school students and their engagement in various workshops like storytelling, envelope art with philately stamps, paper crafts etc.
On the 3rd day of AMRITPEX 2023, a Kavi Sammelan was also organized in which leading poets of the day took part to regale the participants in the exhibition. Huge crowd took part in the Kavi Sammelan to respect the occasion of India Post, and the day concluded with the mesmerizing performance of Piyush Mishra from Ballimaran Band which drew a large audience at the same time.
Ministry of Railways
Ministry of Railways eases distance restriction for booking of Unreserved Tickets through UTSONMOBILE App
• Unreserved tickets on UTSONMOBILE app may be booked from a distance of up to 20 km for non-suburban sections. Earlier, it was upto 5 Km.
• In suburban areas, the distance has been enhanced from 2 Km to 5 km.
Ministry of Railways have decided to extend the facility to book unreserved tickets on UTSONMOBILE app from a distance of up to 20 km for non-suburban sections. Meanwhile, in suburban areas, the distance has been enhanced to 5 km.
Earlier, Unreserved Ticket Booking System UTSONMOBILE app allowed passengers in non-suburban sections to book a ticket from upto 5 km. For the suburban section, the distance restriction for booking tickets through UTSONMOBILE was 2 km.
For details, visit website "https://www.utsonmobile.indianrail.gov.in".
Ministry of Railways
49th meeting of East Coast Railway Zonal Official Language Implementation Committee
The 49th Joint Meeting of East Coast Railway Official Language Implementation Committee was held under the chairmanship of General Manager, Shri R. N. Sunkar. All the Principal Heads of departments, Apar Mukhya Rajbhasha Adhikaris from Khurda Road, Sambalpur and Waltair Division and Chief Workshop Manager, Carriage Repair Workshop, Mancheswar were present in the meeting.
Addressing the meeting Shri Sunkar urged railway men to use Hindi in their day to day official working. He also advised that the employees trained in Hindi should work more and more in Rajbhasha.
On this occasion Shri Sunkar released the posters related to effective quotes of great Hindi litterateurs. He also felicitated Khurda Road, Waltair and Sambalpur Divisions for remarkable achievements in implementation of Rajbhasha. Winners of the quiz competition based on Hindi writers were also awarded by the GM.
Mukhya Rajbhasha Adhikari and Principal Financial Advisor, Shri R. S. Mitra asked railway men to extend their cooperation to implement official language policy.
Deputy Mukhya Rajbhasha Adhikari and Deputy Chief Operations Manager , Shri Debraj Nayak delivered the welcome speech. Smt. Yelleena Panda, Rajbhasha Adhikari, co-ordinated the meeting.
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Ministry of Power
NTPC Mouda’s river rejuvenation project helps over 150 villages to overcome water crisis
NTPC, Central Public Sector Undertaking under Ministry of Power in Mouda, Maharashtra has helped over 150 villages in and around its operational area to overcome water crisis through ground water rejuvenation project. As part of its CSR initiative, NTPC Mouda is supporting the Jalyukta Shivar Yojana project which has successfully managed to turn Mouda into a water-surplus tehsil. This project was carried out by the Maharashtra wing of Art of Living along with aid from few other organizations and the State government.
Earlier Mouda, was one of the most water-deficient tehsils in Nagpur. The project which started in 2017 has covered more than 200 km in Mouda, Hingna and Kamptee tehsils. In the last four years, over 150 villages have benefited from it. NTPC Mouda had contributed 78 lakhs for the fuel charges of machinery and equipment involved. For a similar rejuvenation project of 5 ponds over an area of 1000 acres, an amount of 1 Crore is also being provided by NTPC Mouda.
Shri Hari Prasad Joshi, Group General Manager  said, “We are committed to the development of the nearby community and NTPC Mouda will ensure that it plays its part in doing so.
The ‘Trap the rain where it falls’ technique involves the creation of ponds and nullahs throughout the stretch of the river so that rainwater can be held for a long period. Earlier, the rainwater would run off the ground, but now the water gets sufficient time to percolate deep into the ground. This has led to a massive increase in groundwater levels.
Until a couple of years ago, the farmers in this area were struggling to get water for crops such as paddy, wheat and chilly during the pre-harvesting seasons. Now, the stored rainwater has come to their rescue and provided a new lease of life to their crops and income levels.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Daily Toll Collection Through FASTag Reaches Record High of Over Rs. 193 Crore
The implementation of the FASTag system for toll collection in India has been a resounding success, with a consistent growth trajectory. On 29th April 2023, the daily toll collection through FASTag system achieved a historic milestone, reaching an all-time high collection of Rs. 193.15 crore, with 1.16 crore transactions recorded in a single day.
Since FASTag was mandated by the Government in February 2021, the number of toll plazas under FASTag programme has increased from 770 to 1,228, including 339 state toll plazas. With a penetration rate of around 97 percent and over 6.9 crore FASTag issued to users, the system has significantly improved the user experience by reducing waiting times at NH Fee Plazas.
The consistent and progressive adoption of the FASTag by highway users has not only enhanced the efficiency of toll operations but also led to a more precise valuation of road assets, attracting further investment in India's highway infrastructure.
In addition to its effectiveness in toll collection, FASTag has also facilitated seamless and secure contactless payment for parking fees at over 140 parking lots in 50+ cities across India.
The Government remains steadfast in its commitment to provide a seamless and hassle-free tolling experience for all road users. In this context, NHAI is actively working towards finalizing the necessary requirements for implementation of Global Navigation Satellite System  based tolling system for allowing free-flow tolling system in India.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Strategic Approach to Combat Covid-19
India would be following a scenario based approach for the following possible scenarios,  Travel related case reported in India,  Local transmission of COVID-19,  Large outbreaks amenable to containment,  Wide-spread community Transmission of COVID-19 disease and  India becomes endemic for COVID-19.
Currently many areas are experiencing large outbreaks amenable to containment. Hence a containment strategy is being followed by Government of India.
Government has succeeded to a great extent in controlling the aggressive progression of COVID-19 in the country. India has recorded 3,328 cases and 55 deaths per million population, which is one of the lowest in the world as compared to similarly affected countries.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare , Government of India followed a graded approach for expanding COVID-19 dedicated hospital infrastructure. Over the past 6 months, dedicated isolation beds capacity has been expanded 36.3 times and dedicated ICU beds above 24.6 times to what existed in March 2020. As of now, there are enough bed available to face any contingency. Further clinical management protocol for COVID-19 was issued and regularly updated & widely circulated. Mainstay of treatment is appropriate rehydration, supplemental oxygen therapy, hydroxychloroquine for mild  and for moderate cases and management of symptoms. MoHFW has ensured adequate availability of oxygen and hydroxychloroquine. The case fatality rate in India is almost half that of global average.
The low case fatality can be attributed to constant monitoring for fatality mitigation that includes early case detection through surveillance, monitoring of oxygen saturation, early referral to COVID treatment facilities and adequate case management.
The Minister of State , Sh Ashwini Kumar Choubey stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha here today.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Sanitary Napkins available for Rs. 1/- per pad at Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras
over 3.43 Crore pads have been sold till 10th June, 2020 at Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras.
Keeping in view the present scenario as a social drive Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkin is being made available in more than 6300 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushdhi Pariyojna -PMBJP Kendras across the country at a minimum price of Rs.1/-per pad. The market price of the similar Sanitary Napkins is around Rs. 3/- to Rs. 8/- per pad.
Since inception  to 10th June, 2020 over 4.61 crore sanitary Napkins was sold at Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras. After the revision in the prices on 27 August 2019, over 3.43 Crore pads have been sold till 10th June, 2020 at Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras.
It may be stated that menstruation and menstrual practices still face some social, cultural, and religious restrictions which are a big barrier in the path of menstrual hygiene management. In many parts of the country especially in rural areas girls and women do not have access to sanitary products or they do not opt for them as most of these items available in the market are bit costly.
This step ensured ‘Swachhta, Swasthya and Suvidha’ for the underprivileged Women of India. This step has been taken by the Union Department of Pharmaceuticals to ensure the achievement of Prime Minister Shri Narendera Modi’s vision of Affordable and Quality Healthcare for All.
Sanitary Napkins are environmental friendly, as these pads are made with Oxo-biodegradable material complying with ASTM D-6954  standards. Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, these pads are being sold at Rs 1/- per pad .
PMBJP Kendras are functional in this challenging time of outbreak of COVID-19 and ensuring availability of medicines and essentials to anyone who needs them. Jan Aushadhi Suvidha sanitary napkins are available across all Kendra's. Under PMBJP, more than 1.42 Crore pads have been sold in the month of March, April & May, 2020, across the country. Suvidha Pads are available in sufficient quantities across all Kendra's .
On the eve of World Environment Day 4th June 2018, Government of India proudly announced the launch of “Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Oxo-Biodegradable Sanitary Napkin” for women of India.
AYUSH
Ministry of Ayush to celebrate Yoga Mahotsav on the World Health Day at Red Fort
Lok Sabha Speaker and several Union Ministers to demonstrate Common Yoga Protocol on 75th day of countdown of IDY
Ministry of Ayush is organizing a grand program for demonstration of Common Yoga Protocol in the backdrop of 15th August Park, Lal Quila,  Delhi from 6.30 AM to 8.00 AM on 7th April 2022, which is also the World Health Day, and 75th day of the countdown to International Day of Yoga .
Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla is expected to be the Chief Guest of the program. The event will be graced with the esteemed presence of the several union Ministers, Members of the Parliament, Ambassadors of various countries stationed in Delhi, prominent Sports Celebrities and Yoga Gurus.
The Ministry with its various stakeholders has chalked out a 100 days’ countdown programme of 8th International Day of Yoga wherein 100 organizations are promoting yoga in 100 places/cities.
The Ministry of Ayush is the nodal Ministry for observation of the International Day of Yoga. Every year, the main event of IDY observation is a Mass Yoga Demonstration which is led by Prime Minister himself. The preparations for IDY-2022 are already under way.
It is worth mentioning that 75 days’ countdown is an important event in observation of International day of Yoga every year. The Ministry hopes to inspire a “Mass Movement for Health and Wellbeing” through Yoga in the 75 -day countdown to IDY-2022.
As the upcoming 8th International Day of Yoga is falling in Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav year, the Ministry proposes to observe IDY at 75 iconic sites across the country. This countdown program is already in progress and observation of IDY-2022 is gaining momentum.
SK
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Ministry of Railways
Railways plan to spread Rail based tourism among masses through leasing of coaching stock to interested parties to run them as theme based cultural, religious and other Tourist Circuit train
ED level committee constituted by Ministry of Railways to formulate policy and terms and conditions
To tap the potential of tourism sector and to leverage the core strengths of the professionals of tourism sector in tourism activities like marketing, hospitality, integration of services, reach with customer base, expertise in development /identification of tourist circuits etc, Indian Railways is planning to spread Rail based tourism among masses through leasing of coaching stock to interested parties to run them as theme based cultural, religious and other Tourist Circuit train.
Broad features of the Proposed Model :-
- Leasing of coaches as per desired configuration of interested parties. Bare shells may also be taken on lease. Outright purchase of coaches can also be done.
- Minor refurbishment of coaches is permitted.
- Leasing to be done for a minimum period of 5 years and extendable till codal life of coaches.
- Minimum train composition for leasing purpose as per policy guidelines.
- Interested party to develop/decide business model .
- Simple registration process for interested parties based on eligibility criteria.
- Indian Railways will levy haulage charges, nominal stabling charges and lease charges. .
Other Features :
- Priority in punctuality.
- Timely approvals for coach refurbishment and itineraries.
- No haulage for maintenance runs.
- Third party advertising allowed inside train, Branding of train permitted.
An Executive Director level committee has been constituted by Ministry of Railways to formulate the policy and terms and conditions.
Ministry of Defence
Indian Army Kills Five Pak Supported Terrorists
Indian Army launched a daring operation at the Line of Control and engaged Pak supported infiltrators in a Close Quarter Battle in heavy snow, neutralising the entire infiltrating batch of five.
Four soldiers under the command of a Junior Commissioned Officer from one of the most professional Para SF Units were air dropped near the LoC after information on the infiltrators was received. An intense hand to hand battle ensued and all five terrorists were eliminated.
In this battle, however, Army lost five of its best soldiers, three on the site and two more succumbed while they were airlifted to a nearby military hospital.
The IA Special Forces squad was led by Subedar Sanjeev Kumar and included Havildar Davendra Singh, Paratrooper Bal Krishan, Paratrooper Amit Kumar and Paratrooper Chhatrapal Singh.
Indian Army salutes the brave hearts killed in Action and shall continue to protect its borders from inimical forces at all costs at all times.
Col Aman Anand
PRO 
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Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Draft Guidelines for Operationalization of Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax ferry service along the coast of India issued for Stakeholder Consultation
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways , under its Sagarmala Programme, has embarked on developing an ecosystem for promotion of Ro-Ro  ferry and waterway transportation in the country. This mode of transportation has multiple benefits including reduced travel time, reduced logistics cost and lower pollution in comparison to conventional mode of transportation.
In view of immense potential and distinct advantages of ferry service, Ministry is financially supporting 45 projects with total project cost of Rs. 1900 Crore. Under the gambit of Sagarmala, Ministry has operationalized Ro-Pax Ferry service between Ghogha - Hazira in Gujarat and Mumbai - Mandwa in Maharashtra. These services have transported more than 7 lakh passenger and 1.5 lakh vehicles, contributing towards clean environment and public welfare.
In view of success of these projects and high demand and potential, additional projects are planned at Pipavav and Muldwarka in Gujarat and Ghodbunder, Veldur, Vasai, Kashid, Rewas, Manori and JN Port etc. in Maharashtra. In addition to above, Ministry is supporting 4 projects in Andhra Pradesh, 2 projects in Odisha and 1 each in Tamil Nadu and Goa.
The Ministry has prepared draft of “Guidelines for Operationalization of Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax ferry service along the coast of India” after incorporating the preliminary inputs received from the stakeholders. The guidelines encompass the two aspects of ferry operation namely; concessions for terminal operation and license for operation of Ro-Pax vessels.
These guidelines will homogenize and streamline the development and operations of ferry services, along with, promoting ease of doing business by eliminating unnecessary delays, disagreements and introducing digital interventions at customer interface. They will also help State/UT Governments and Port Authorities in implementation of such projects by standardization of procedures. Further, it will help in instilling confidence among the private players thereby increasing their participation and promoting healthy competition in such projects.
The Ministry intends to seek feedback and suggestions on the draft guidelines for operationalization of Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax ferry service along the coast of India from all stakeholders. The document can be accessed from the websites of the MoPSW and Sagarmala on the links https://shipmin.gov.in/ and https://sagarmala.gov.in/ respectively and suggestions can be sent to sagar.mala[at]gov[dot]in the proforma attached as Annexure I of the guidelines within 21 days from the date of publication.
Ministry of Coal
Ministry of Coal working to ensure maintenance of critical coal supplies during the COVID-19 lockdown period: Pralhad Joshi
Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi has ensured that Coal supplies are declared as an Essential service and directed all the officials of Ministry of Coal to work harder to ensure that critical coal supplies are maintained during the lockdown period due to COVID 19 pandemic so that power and other critical sectors are unaffected due to the current situation.
Daily meetings of all senior officers of the Ministry are being held for monitoring coal production, supplies and dispatch. The first such virtual meeting was taken on 26th March 2020 through video conferencing by Coal Secretary Shri Anil Kumar Jain. A daily report would be given to the Coal Minister. As Ministry of Coal is a fully paperless office the entire staff is working on the e- office platform from the Ministry or at home as per duty rosters.
Coal stocks at power plants stand at 41.8 MT equivalent to 24 days consumption as of 26th March 2020. The Minister informed that various steps have been taken to ensure the easy and adequate availability of coal to every coal dependent industry/Power Sector.
The Union Minister appreciated work being done by the Coal India Limited where all officers and workers are ensuring the coal production and supplies are not affected in these critical times.
Shri Pralhad Joshi further assured that no approvals requiring concurrence of Ministry of Coal would be held up during the current lockdown period.